GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed forward Matt Watkins to an entry level contract. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Watkins participated in training camp with the Coyotes on a professional tryout and has joined the team’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. The 22-year-old Watkins recently completed his senior season at the University of North Dakota, where he collected 7-7-14 and 40 penalty minutes (PIM) in 41 games. In 168 career games with North Dakota, Watkins registered 26-32-58 and 150 PIM. He was also a three-time All-WCHA Academic Team member.

A native of Aylesbury, Saskatchewan, Watkins recorded career-highs in goals (8) and points (18) during his junior year in 2007-08. As a freshman in 2005-06, he appeared in all 46 of the team’s games.

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Watkins was originally drafted by Dallas in the fifth round (160th overall) of the 2005 Entry Draft.